such as Bürkert, come to the fore; capable of
putting together dedicated project teams for
larger installations or providing expert advice
and components for smaller projects.
From specification advice right through to
designing and manufacturing a bespoke
product or assembly for an individual
application. For example, components and
systems operating in potentially explosive
atmospheres must be suitably tested and
certified as safe for such an environment
using the ATEX and IECEx standards. This is
an area that requires considerable expertise
and design knowledge in order to deliver
a packaged solution that is tested and
guaranteed to operate safely once installed.
MANAGING THE AVAILABLE
ASSETS
Flexibility is the key to providing the most
appropriate level of service and a diverse
range of high quality products, coupled
with extensive design and manufacturing
expertise, makes Bürkert a valuable asset
when delivering modifications to a process
control system. In situations where time is
a restricting factor, a considerable amount
of pre-assembly can be completed off-site,
while precision drawings and meticulous
planning make sure that all the new
components work seamlessly with the
existing infrastructure.
Typically, the integration of new processes
and equipment is a one-off task and is
unlikely to be repeated across multiple sites,
which eliminates those manufacturers that
are involved only in large volume projects.
The modular nature of many automation
solutions makes them ideal for those looking
to expand on a pre-existing installation.
Provided the communication protocols
are maintained it is relatively easy to install
standalone control systems based on a
centralised control concept, that contain
all of the necessary components to operate
valves, including a PLC, input/output systems
and valve islands.
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
Of course, communication of vital data
between sensors, valves and the input/
output modules is essential and this data also
needs to be available to the wider process
control centre. This raises the subject of
Industry 4.0 and also highlights the issue of
communications protocols and how they
can be harmonised to ensure seamless data
transmission.
By way of an example, Bürkert has developed
its efficient device integration platform
(EDIP), which is a concept that enables
intelligent networking down to the sensor
and actuator level. This protocol combines
and standardises the hardware, software
and communication of Bürkert products.
Communication between the EDIP devices
takes place using an interface based on the
industry standard CANopen with additional
features.
Projects that need the expertise of system
integrators will usually benefit from the
design capabilities and industry expertise of
specialist manufacturers. By taking advantage
of their knowledge and experience, projects
can be optimised both in terms of installation
time as well as overall performance.
Burkert manufactures over 100,000 different
products, typically valves, actuators,
sensors, controllers and combined devices.
Applying these products to scenarios that
require specialist assemblies requires skill
and experience as well as an imaginative
approach.
www.burkert.co.uk
Issue 36 PECM
143